Echoage parties - anyone familiar with these and what would you do?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just saw the website, and it says in the fine print that you don't have to donate the donation amount! That means that the parent can advertise the charity and then decide to take all the money instead!!?!

And 15% from the total amount is deducted for administration! Wow, that is a lot!! What an interesting business idea!

wow, that's great! Now I can just get parents to give my kid cash!

No way!

[Anonymous]

All of these issues are avoided by teaching kids that the celebration is the time with friends. It isn’t about gifts at all.

[Anonymous]

Echoage is run "in partnership with" Royal Bank of Canada.

[Anonymous]

I would politely send my regrets.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ewww...

I thought it was never OK to ask for a gift.

Personally, I have no problem buying a gift. I have no problem going to a no-gift party. But for some reason, having people say "please give to this charity in lieu of a gift" really, really bothers me. Suddenly instead of being invited to something, I'm being told to spend my money.

And to throw in the "a gift the child really wants" is just ridiculous.

But at the same time, as much as it would bother me, I'd probably do it. Although I probably wouldn't give much. Which makes me wonder...does the person see how much each person gives? EWWWWW!

I agree with this. What that really means is, "a gift the child really wants, as opposed to the piddly crap that you would otherwise give to him."

Ewwww.

Double ewwwwww.

Seriously grossest thing EVER.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That's ridiculous! I would do whatever you would normally do for a child's birthday - bring a gift, giftcard, etc.

This. Most kids want presents not a money grab to pay for their party and charity. If the parents have a favorite charity they can use their money to donate. Really tacky.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would just RSVP no to the party.

Same.

[Anonymous]

This post is 10 years old

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yuck. I agree it is tacky. Anytime a person solicits money as a gift is tacky to me...period.

Agree!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This post is 10 years old

Perhaps the company is trying to drum up business.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Everyone get a grip, it is a 5 year old's birthday party not a state dinner. The only protocal that matters is fun and safety. Just give them the gift they requested and let your child have fun at the party. Don't perpetuate the stereotype of gossipy women always shocked that someone else is being tacky.

+1000 At the end of the day, there's some money going to charity and you don't have to spend time or energy picking out a gift. Your kid will have fun at the party. Just move on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This post is 10 years old

And it’s still relevant, a couple PPs we’re talking about recent invitations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it's in pretty poor taste.

+1.

[Anonymous]

I don't want someone to tell me what to give them.

[Anonymous]

So weird